Arcata Main Street exec arrested in marijuana grow bust

The executive director of Arcata Main Street, a nonprofit organization that promotes business, arts and festivals in Arcata, was arrested on suspicion of marijuana cultivation and child endangerment Friday.

Jennifer Brook Koopman, 38, was arrested at her workplace in Arcata after police raided a Eureka home and found a commercial marijuana grow, according to a Humboldt County Drug Task Force press release.

Around 10 a.m., the task force served a search warrant at a home on the 2600 block of Manzanita Avenue in Eureka.

No one was home when the search warrant was served, according to the release, but agents found 267 growing marijuana plants ranging from three to four feet tall in an attached garage. Agents seized $3,700 from the residence.

While searching the residence, agents learned that Koopman and her 7-year-old daughter lived in the home, according to the release. Agents responded to Koopman's work in Arcata and arrested her on suspicion of cultivation and possession for sales of marijuana, maintaining a residence for manufacturing of a controlled substance and child endangerment due to electrical fire hazard associated with the indoor marijuana growing operation.

The Humboldt County Building and Planning Department determined there was a possible fire hazard at the residence and contacted Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to turn off power to the home.

Koopman's daughter was placed into custody of a local relative, according to a press release, and Humboldt County Child Welfare Services will investigate the child's living conditions.

The case is under investigation.

Arcata Main Street President Robin Hashem said in an email that the board of directors was "shocked" to learn of Koopman's arrest. Hashem said board members will meet as soon as possible to discuss the situation.